Pride at SHC

As Chief HR Officer and co-executive sponsor of Sears Holdings’ PRIDE Associate Resource Group, I am honored to have volunteered at the 45th Annual Chicago Pride Parade. This year, SHC partnered with Shop Your Way, Sears Gift Registry and Sears Vacations to marry four couples on our float during the parade. Over a million people cheered on our Shop Your Way Pride Wedding Contest winners as the parade traveled through the city’s neighborhoods.

I was joined by dozens of SHC associates and family members who marched in the parade or cheered from the crowd. It was a moving day for all involved as this was the first parade since the Illinois Marriage Equality Law was enacted. As a company that represents a true cross section of America, Sears Holdings gives more to our members no matter who they are or who they love.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported our couples on their special day. In addition, I’m also proud to report that out of nearly 200 entries, small businesses, non-profit organizations and corporate sponsored floats, our Gift Registry float won the “Best Business Float.” This is a credit to the hard work and effort of our PRIDE Associate Resource Group and all its members and partners.

The following video captures some of the emotion and excitement of the 2014 Chicago Pride Parade.